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To determine whether your two hujeta gars (also known as Ctenolucius hujeta, silver gar, rocket gar, freshwater barracuda & silver-pike characin) are exhibiting breeding behaviour, we need to analyze several factors, including their physical condition, behaviour, and environmental conditions.

1. Observing Behavioral Changes

The first step is to consider the lunging behaviour you observed. Lunging can be a sign of aggression or territoriality, especially if it is a new behaviour that has not been seen before. However, in some fish species, such behaviours can also indicate courtship or mating rituals.

Aggression vs. Breeding:
In many fish species, males may exhibit aggressive behaviours towards each other during breeding seasons to establish dominance or territory. If one of your gars is larger in the belly area, this could suggest that it is female and potentially carrying eggs.
2. Physical Condition of the Fish

You mentioned that one of the gars appears larger in the belly area. This could indicate several things:

Egg Development:
If the fish is indeed female and has a swollen belly, it may be developing eggs. Female gars can become noticeably larger when they are ready to spawn.

Health Issues:
While less likely given your description of their overall health for the past year, a swollen belly could also indicate health issues such as overfeeding or internal problems.

3. Environmental Factors

You noted that you had fed cucumber recently and were concerned about ammonia levels. Although you tested for ammonia and found it at 0, it’s essential to ensure that water quality remains optimal for both fish:

Water Quality: Poor water quality can lead to stress in fish, which might cause unusual behaviours like aggression or lunging. Regular testing for ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, and pH levels and ensuring proper filtration will help maintain a healthy environment.

Breeding Conditions: Gars typically require specific conditions for breeding; these include appropriate tank size, water temperature (usually warmer), and suitable hiding spots for spawning.

4. Conclusion: Are They Breeding?

Based on your observations—specifically, the lunging behaviour combined with one fish appearing larger in the belly area—it is plausible that they may be engaging in breeding behaviour rather than aggression alone. However, without more definitive signs such as nesting or visible eggs being laid (which can be difficult with gars), it’s challenging to confirm this definitively.

If you continue to observe this behaviour alongside other signs like increased activity or changes in feeding patterns (e.g., reduced appetite), it would further support the idea of breeding activity.

In summary: Yes, it is possible that your hujeta gars are exhibiting breeding behavior given the circumstances you’ve described.

Identifying the Issue with Your Platy

To address the unusual behavior of your female platy, we will analyze her symptoms and potential underlying causes step by step.

Behavioral Changes
The first observation is that your platy is hiding more than usual and only coming out for food. This change in behavior can indicate stress or illness. Fish often hide when they are not feeling well or if they are stressed due to environmental changes, tank mates, or health issues.

Physical Symptoms
You noted that she appears limp with her fins drooping while resting on her belly. This could suggest a lack of energy or possible illness. The fact that she swims out normally for food but quickly returns to hiding indicates that she may be experiencing discomfort or pain.

Additionally, you mentioned that one side seems slightly more swollen than the other. This asymmetry can be a sign of several health issues, including:

Swim Bladder Disorder: This condition affects a fish’s buoyancy and can cause them to float at odd angles or lie on their sides.
Internal Parasites: These can cause swelling and discomfort, leading to behavioral changes.
Infections: Bacterial infections can lead to swelling and lethargy.
Water Quality
You stated that water parameters are normal. However, it’s essential to ensure that parameters such as ammonia, nitrite, nitrate levels, pH, and temperature are within optimal ranges for platys (pH 6.8-8.5; temperature 70-78°F). Even slight fluctuations can stress fish.

Recent Changes in the Tank
The introduction of guppy fry could have altered the dynamics in the tank. While guppies are generally peaceful, overcrowding or competition for resources (like food) could stress your platy.

Diet and Feeding
Since she is eating and pooping normally, this suggests that her digestive system is functioning well. However, ensure she is receiving a balanced diet appropriate for platys.

Potential Treatments
Given the symptoms you’ve described:

Isolate the Affected Fish:
If possible, consider isolating her in a hospital tank to monitor her closely without stressing her further from other tank mates.

Monitor for Additional Symptoms:
Keep an eye out for any additional signs such as changes in appetite, swimming patterns, or visible lesions over time.

Consider Treatment Options:

If you suspect internal parasites but want to avoid harming fry in the main tank, look into medicated foods specifically designed for treating internal parasites which may be safer.
For bacterial infections or swim bladder disorders, medications like antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin) might be necessary but should be used cautiously around fry.
Consult an Aquatic Vet:
If symptoms persist or worsen despite treatment attempts at home, consulting a veterinarian specialized in fish would provide tailored advice based on examination.

Conclusion

In summary, your platy’s behavior could stem from several potential issues ranging from stress due to environmental changes to health problems like internal parasites or infections indicated by swelling on one side. Monitoring her closely and considering isolation along with appropriate treatments while ensuring water quality remains stable will be crucial steps moving forward.

1. Identifying Symptoms and Possible Causes

The symptoms you describe in your Boseman rainbows and platys—dark lumps near the dorsal fins, rapid breathing, and fin folding—can be indicative of several underlying health issues. Here are some potential causes:

Infectious Diseases:

Bacterial Infections:
These can manifest as lumps or lesions on the body. Common bacterial infections include Columnaris (Flexibacter) and Aeromonas, which can cause skin lesions and respiratory distress.
Parasitic Infections:
External parasites like Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ich) or flukes can lead to stress, rapid gill movement, and overall poor health. Internal parasites may also cause similar symptoms but would typically require a different approach for diagnosis.

Environmental Factors:

Water Quality Issues:
Poor water quality is one of the most common causes of fish stress and illness. High levels of ammonia, nitrites, or nitrates can lead to respiratory problems. Testing your water parameters (pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate) is crucial.
Temperature Fluctuations:
Sudden changes in temperature can stress fish significantly. Ensure that your tank maintains a stable temperature suitable for both your rainbows and platys.
Nutritional Deficiencies:
A lack of essential nutrients can weaken fish immune systems, making them more susceptible to diseases.

2. Quarantine Tank Utilization

Since you have a quarantine tank available, it is advisable to use it for treating affected fish while minimizing the risk to your loaches in the main tank. Here’s how to proceed:

Isolate Affected Fish:
Move any visibly sick fish into the quarantine tank immediately to prevent further spread of disease.
Monitor Water Conditions:
Ensure that the quarantine tank has optimal water conditions similar to those in your main tank.

Treatment Options:
For suspected bacterial infections, consider using antibiotics such as erythromycin or tetracycline.
For parasitic infections, treatments like praziquantel (for flukes) or copper-based medications (for external parasites) might be appropriate.

3. Preventive Measures

To prevent future outbreaks:

Regularly test water parameters and perform routine maintenance such as partial water changes.
Ensure a balanced diet for all fish species in your aquarium.
Quarantine new arrivals before introducing them into the main tank.

4. Conclusion

Given the symptoms presented by both your Boseman rainbows and platys—particularly the presence of lumps and rapid breathing—it is likely that they are suffering from either an infectious disease or environmental stressors related to water quality. Immediate action through isolation in a quarantine tank followed by appropriate treatment based on observed symptoms will be critical in managing this situation effectively.